Jakle: Swords, treachery rule on Sunday

Updated 9:30 pm, Saturday, March 31, 2012

Emilia Clarke returns as the mother of dragons in Season 2 of 'Game of Thrones.'

Emilia Clarke returns as the mother of dragons in Season 2 of 'Game of Thrones.'

Photo: Paul Schiraldi, Paul Schiraldi Photography

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Ep 1 scene 21GAME OF THRONES: Sean Bean. photo: Nick Briggs / hbo

Ep 1 scene 21GAME OF THRONES: Sean Bean. photo: Nick Briggs / hbo

Photo: Nick Briggs/ +447778646602/nick@

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image of actor Peter Dinklage in the HBO series Game of Thrones credit: Helen Sloan

image of actor Peter Dinklage in the HBO series Game of Thrones credit: Helen Sloan

Photo: DirectToArchive

Jakle: Swords, treachery rule on Sunday

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Sunday ceases to be a day of rest with two of TV's most sinister and addictive series returning to cable's prime-time lineup.

It could be called the day of best, considering the high caliber of drama delivered by HBO's magnificently visceral fantasy epic “Game of Thrones” and AMC's moodiest of all murder tales, “The Killing.”

First, down on one knee, I'll pay homage to the continuing bloody thrill-fest that is “Thrones.” As someone who was fortunate enough to watch the first season in one giant gulp via the absolutely gorgeous Blu-ray set that broke sales records for HBO, I couldn't wait to dive into the four episodes of season two that were sent to critics.

Putting aside grumbles that the visual quality of these preview discs was vastly inferior to what audiences will be seeing in HD — starting at 8 tonight — I am happy to report that the fantastic vision inspired by George R.R. Martin's books remains as chilling and wondrous as ever.

In fact, the second go-round provides even more shocks and shivers as several would-be rulers face swords, sorcery and giant wolves as they vie for the coveted Iron Throne in this fictional land of Westeros.

The youngest, surly teenager Joffrey, already occupies it, thanks to the ambitious connivances of his mother, Cersei. While others fight, he cowers in his castle trying to outdo each day's sadistic amusements. Many of them target Sansa, eldest daughter of Ned Stark, the slain Lord of Winterfell who dared to contest Joffrey's succession. Once unlikable because of her fawning devotion to Joffrey, Sansa has become much more sympathetic, her jaw set in cold hatred of the young king while attempting to survive behind a mask of loyalty.

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More direct in his furor is Ned's warrior son, Robb Stark, who fights for autonomy in the North. Meanwhile, two of the former king's brothers feel they are the rightful rulers and command their own armies. Renly, who fled the castle to shore up his strength, fears his preference for men may endanger his claim and has taken a bride. Then, there's eldest brother Stannis Baratheon, whose strongest — and strangest — weapon appears to be a powerful red-haired priestess.

Last but far from least is the weakened but still fiercely determined Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), who was part of last season's most memorable scene: the fiery hatching of three dragon “children.”

Though the presence of Ned, the show's one truly honorable male, continues to be missed, another has filled the gap somewhat with a newfound nobility. Joffrey's uncle, Tyrion Lannister (Emmy winner Peter Dinklage), strives to keep his nephew's cruelty in check while providing entertainment galore with his wicked wit.

‘Killing' still gripping

Before addressing the start of “The Killing's” second season, a word about its end: Aware of some critics' sour response to the first season's lack of resolution, producer Veena Sud announced that the killer of teenager Rosie Larsen will be revealed at this round's conclusion.

OK, but in my view, last season's cliffhanger did nothing to harm this AMC treat, which always kept us at the edge of our seats. “The Killing” continues to do just that as the series, set in rainy Seattle, resumes with a twisty, two-episode premiere at 7 tonight. As it explores a conspiracy that seems to revolve around the framing of mayoral candidate Darren Richmond (Billy Campbell), expect to be taken on a deliciously disturbing ride that affects every main character — from homicide detective Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos), who understandably develops a mistrust of just about every cop she works with, to the grieving Larsens, who are victimized again and again by the gross mishandling of this complex case.

Jeanne Jakle's column appears Sundays and Wednesdays in S.A. Life, and she blogs at Jakle's Jacuzzi on mySA.com. Email her at jjakle@express-news.net.